I work at a small apparel manufacturer in Michigan (yes, a real-life apparel manufacturer here in the US) It is a great company, but some of their contracts (mostly military, but also Patagonia and New Balance to name a few) are winding down, so in order to avoid layoffs, they are looking at creating their own line of gear. They have years of experience, top of the line machines, and plenty of ability, but almost zero knowledge of the market. I offered to help since this is a passion of mine.

The question is, what are your needs out there? What things would you like to see made that aren't being made right now? Any and all help in this would be helpful. Even if you have a suggestion, but aren't sure if it applies, please comment. There is a ton of potential here, and the company has room for major flexibility. Wouldn't it be great to have a direct line to a backpacking gear manufacturer? Please help me out. Also, if yo have any other suggestions or questions about this opportunity, please ask. I'm also fairly new to this idea of manufacturing and selling gear (other than a few DIY projects), so any advice would certainly be appreciated.

Troy

I want a jacket with inflatable air-struts and (partial) vacuum chambers. Just to see how well it works against the Argon-filled Klymit vests. =)

-mox

i'd probably try to find a particular group to cater to. if you try to make everything for everyone you'll get swallowed up by big brands like TNF and others. Think of a particular crowd (think warbonnet - catering to just hammockers) or blackrockgear (making just hats and mittens). that would be how i would direct my attention...

How about a complete line of quality VPL clothing (tops, pants, hats, gloves/mittens, and socks), to fit into the large cost/quality void between RBH Designs and Stephenson's Warmlite?

I have thought for a long time if I had waterproof/breathable pants that had zip off legs and pockets, I could get rid of one pair of pants I usually carry. If it looked lke normal pants and not shiney rain pants that would even be better. The shorts maybe too hot in warmer climes but vent pockets and other vents could make it work. Of course I might be your only customer.

A line of Paramo type clothing for the US would be great, they aren't imported from England (no US dealers) and the existing designs need considerable work to make them more streamlined and less clunky.
Ron

Merino wool. Although may need some stretch to keep snug but not cut for a 23 year old "actor" whose been doing P90X for 6 years....

Expedition weight in the torso (250-320+), light weight (150 ish) in the sleeves (long) with Thumb holes.

3/4 zip with high neck that does not choke. Some Ibex tops are good like that.

Hoody option.

Small chest pocket zip gun style.

NOT embarrassingly bright colors.

I need to learn how to sew!

Bob

Edited by Baughb on 12/13/2012 15:08:51 MST.

Good stuff.I like the waterproof gear idea. Definitely a néed there.

Here are some products I've looked for but could never find:


Large-sized hats for big heads

Hats that have a recessed space for the ears (like, a beanie where the headband section is cut looser than the scalp). Sleeping in beanies wakes me up with ear pain from the slight but constant pressure.

Rain jackets with zippable vents along the backs of the shoulders for cycling. Long arms, drop-tail hem in the back.

Backpacking jackets with big cargo pockets mounted mid-chest where they won't interfere with backpack straps or hipbelts.

A jacket that has a small hole in the back of both shoulders so you can snake a hydration pack hose from your backpack down your sleeve, so it's insulated in the winter.


I'll try to think of more. The last two are just a matter of taking products that already exist and editing them slightly.

Max

FYI, I also have a larger head and the ZPacks beanie is exactly what you're looking for where the headband section is cut looser than the scalp...or at least mine is. I was guessing that it's was purposefully made that way.

HTH

KJ

I really like the idea of making quality VBL products in sil nylon and/or tyvek or similar materials. I'd love the option to buy a silnylon rainjacket and pants, as well as rainmitts.

The question is, what are your needs out there? What things would you like to see made that aren't being made right now?

I would like to see somebody make an 800 fill weight down sleeping bag "topper", i.e. a sewn-thru top to fit over a summer bag to extend the bag's range. It would be mummy shaped, essentially the top of a mummy bag, complete with vertical foot coverage.

The "topper" would have about 6 Velcro strips sewn to its inside edges - one at the foot, two on each side and one at the center top. The buyer would have to sew or have a tailor sew on the mating Velcro strips to the sleeping bag.

A bag "topper" like this DOES work, I have one. I get 20 F. warmer bag with my cheapo duck down topper.

Edited by Danepacker on 12/25/2012 19:06:36 MST.

Hi Troy,

Is your company based in Jackson?

Cheers,

Stephen

Simple W/Breathable rain pants , like Golite's reed pants. No ankle zips just thin elastic, no fly zip just thin elastic at waist, no pockets. 3 to 4 ozs wt.